AFTER 60 years of being known as the Hennessy Gold Cup, one of the most famous events in the jump racing calendar has changed its name.

New sponsor Ladbrokes has given the contest an injection of prize money and a new identity to go with the specially-commissioned new trophy.

From henceforth the Hennessy Gold Cup (not to be confused with the Cheltenham Gold Cup) will be known as the Ladbrokes Trophy.

The £250,000 Ladbrokes Trophy will be run at Newbury Racecourse, home of the erstwhile Hennessy Gold Cup, for the first time during the Ladbrokes Winter Carnival on Saturday, December 2.

The trophy is the work of artist and designer Lee Simmons, an artist and designer who said he took his inspiration from the remarkable anatomy and power of the steeplechaser.

Mike Dillon, director of public relations for Ladbrokes, said: "The new trophy is a fitting prize for such an iconic race which repeatedly produces superstar horses."

The Ladbrokes Winter Carnival takes place at Newbury on Friday and Saturday, December 1 and 2.